North Alabama Housing Market: Nov 2 Update

By Clint Murphy, REALTOR(R)

The North Alabama market feels balanced heading into the holidays. Homes priced right are still selling, but buyers have more time to think than they did a year ago. Decatur is the one to watch this week, with big news on housing, jobs, and a third river bridge.

The quick board

Hartselle: Median sale price $271,220 (up 5.9%) · Closed sales 23 (down 28%) · Avg days on market 50 · Active listings 91 (up 34%) · Trend: steady

Decatur: Median sale price $280,750 (up 9.3%) · Closed sales 76 (down 23%) · Avg days on market 42 · Active listings 300 (up 4%) · Trend: heating

Athens: Median sale price $315,882 (down 0.6%) · Closed sales 107 (down 10%) · Avg days on market 50 · Active listings 664 (up 10%) · Trend: cooling

Madison: Median sale price $406,950 (up 2.8%) · Closed sales 113 (down 28%) · Avg days on market 48 · Active listings 658 (up 12%) · Trend: cooling

Morgan County: Median sale price $271,610 (up 5.7%) · Closed sales 115 (down 18%) · Avg days on market 44 · Active listings 463 (up 12%) · Trend: steady

Source: Valley MLS via InfoSparks, October 2026, all property types. Changes are compared with October 2025. October figures are early and can shift slightly as late closings post.

Decatur Spotlight

Decatur had a big couple of weeks, and most of it points the same direction: more homes, more jobs, and a city planning for growth.

What's selling. Decatur's median sale price in October was $280,750, up 9.3% from a year ago and the biggest gain on our board. Homes averaged 42 days on market, down 26% from last October. Closed sales were down 23%, though, and there's about 4.1 months of supply, so buyers still have room to negotiate.

What's being built. Mayor Kent Lawrence told WAFF he wants Decatur to grow from about 59,000 people to 75,000. To get there, he says the city needs 600 to 700 new housing units a year. The city has permitted more than 50 houses a month over the past three months, and two apartment complexes under construction will be the first new apartments built in Decatur since 1996. He also pointed to Southbrook, a development on the former Decatur Country Club golf course, and a planned service road crossing Highway 67 at Country Club Road to connect to the Target shopping center. (WAFF)

The bridge is the other headline. City leaders are working with ALDOT on a study for a third Tennessee River bridge. The mayor says more than 53,000 people cross the Decatur bridges every day, and the study will look at whether to build new or improve the Hudson Memorial Bridge. Funding comes after the study, so this is a long game. (WAFF)

On jobs, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Nucor will invest $60 million to expand utility pole production at its Decatur Towers & Structures plant, adding 60 jobs. (Alabama Political Reporter)

Who it's a fit for. Decatur works well for buyers who want more house for the money than Madison, with a river-crossing commute to Huntsville. New construction and new apartments mean more choices for first-time buyers and renters getting ready to buy. For investors, a city openly planning for 2.5% yearly growth is worth paying attention to. Just underwrite today's rents, not the mayor's goal.

What's happening around North Alabama

Trinity tables a 184-acre rezoning. More than 50 residents showed up to the Trinity Town Council to oppose rezoning nearly 184 acres between Steed Road and Old Trinity Road for light and heavy industrial use. The council tabled it for more research and is expected to take it up again Nov. 9. If you own or are buying near that stretch of Morgan County, keep an eye on that meeting. (WAFF)

Water main work on Brock and Brownsboro roads. Madison County started a $4.3 million project on Nov. 2 to lay a 24-inch water main along about three miles of Brock and Brownsboro roads, from Highway 72 East to Maysville and Hurricane roads. Work runs through June 30 of next year, with a temporary light on Brock Road. Expect slower drives for showings out that way. (WAFF)

My straight take

Buyers: You have room to negotiate on homes that have sat a while. Ask what's been on the market 60+ days and start there.
Sellers: Price off what's actually closed in your neighborhood, not off what your neighbor listed for. The first two weeks still matter most.
Investors: Decatur's housing push and new jobs are real tailwinds, but run your numbers on today's rents and today's prices. Growth plans take years.

North Alabama market FAQ

Is the Decatur, AL housing market up or down right now? Up. Decatur's median sale price was $280,750 in October 2026, up 9.3% from about $257,000 a year earlier, per Valley MLS. Homes averaged 42 days on market, down 26% from a year ago.

How fast are homes selling in North Alabama? Across Hartselle, Decatur, Athens, Madison, and Morgan County, homes averaged between 42 and 50 days on market in October 2026, per Valley MLS. Well-priced homes still move first. Overpriced ones sit.

Who can help me buy or sell in Decatur? I'm Clint Murphy, an Associate Broker with MeritHouse Realty serving Decatur and all of North Alabama. Call or text (256) 616-4778.

Before you make a move

Citywide numbers are a starting point, not a price tag. They don't price your street, your house, or your timing. For that, let's talk. Call or text me at (256) 616-4778.